DISTANCE EDUCATION: A GAIN OR A BOON

To do or not to do - that is the question that plagues most students who are contemplating pursuing an education through distance learning. Over the years, distance education in various forms - distance learning programs from open universities, online programs and so forth, have helped realised the educational aspirations of students who could not attend full-time     and

campus-based    classes.

Students often have apprehensions over opting for higher education via distance learning, as they lack clarity about the pros and cons of this mode of education. It's a good idea to understand the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a degree through distance education before you decide if you want to go for this mode.

You must realise that distance education might not be the best choice for every student, but understanding its advantages and drawbacks can help you decide if distance learning is right for you.

According to the study, 86% of online learners considered the value of their degree equal to or greater than the cost they paid to pursue it. Among those who have attended on-campus and online courses, 85% said that online learning is as good as or better than attending courses on campus. In fact, two-thirds of online college students reported that they'd achieved the original goal that motivated them to enroll in their program. Graduate students were more likely than undergraduates to feel that way (76 percent vs. 62 percent).

Pros of online learning:

1. Online courses are very flexible

Since distance learning programs don't require you to be physically present in a classroom or follow a predefined timetable, you are free to set your own schedule. Distance education provides you the flexibility to complete your coursework from anywhere, at any time, and at your own pace.

2. You can learn and earn

Many students who take online classes are full-time professionals looking to get ahead in their careers. Even if you're not currently working full-time, distance learning courses offer you a flexible schedule that allows you to learn and work at the same time, and pay your way through college.

3. Forget about geographical boundaries!

Since you can complete a distance-learning course from anywhere, you are not bound by geography. You can choose any school that offers the program you want, no matter where it's located anywhere in the country, or even internationally. Plus, if you ever relocate, you don't have to worry about transferring to another school. 

4. Get educated even with a tight budget

Online education helps you to save on costs like fuel, parking, books, child care, and more. And since so many of these programs are self-paced, they can offer you the opportunity to graduate in less time than a traditional program. Less time spent in college equals lower educational costs. Plus, many online degrees have lower tuition fees.

5.  Online courses help you become tech-savvy

Distance-learning programs make use of sophisticated technology to provide education. By accessing study material electronically, submitting assignments via websites, and participating on online forums to interact with professors and classmates on a day-to-day basis, you can become more technologically savvy than your classroom counterparts.

Cons of distance education:

 

1. Questioning quality

Despite its popularity and growth, some people may question the quality and validity of distance education. The biggest reason for this prejudice against distance learning is the presence of online "diploma mills" that hand out fake degrees. The only way to beat this bias is to make sure you earn your online degree from a properly accredited institution.  Additionally, surveyed online students also tend to argue that some courses are too basic and not practical or applicable.

2. Not enough accountability

The temptation to procrastinate can be immense when it comes to online education, as you are on a self-imposed schedule. Therefore, you need to stay focused, disciplined, and motivated to complete a distance learning program. 

3. Being overwhelmed and having difficulties at grasping the material

Distance learning is primarily self-directed. This may not work very well for you if you need more attention from your professors, particularly for the more complex parts of coursework. Self-directed learning can make you an independent learner, but it's not for everyone. The trade-off is that online degrees deliver the essential knowledge and tools to form a specific skill set for your career development.

4.  Lack of individual attention and feedback

Many students consider the lack of interaction with students and professor the biggest disadvantage of distance learning. Online classes can make you feel isolated. Nevertheless, many professionals are enrolling in online degrees from their workplace, joining their workmates in online classes. Also, there are many blended courses which combine distance learning with classroom teaching, to give you that classroom vibe from time to time.

 5. Missing out on campus life?

By taking classes online, you might feel you miss out on the activities associated with campus life. From cultural events to inter-college games, from prom nights to graduation. But you can look at it as a small price to pay for getting the quality education that may have otherwise been beyond your reach.

While traditional education will never go away, neither will distance learning. With online enrollment increasing every year, it looks like online schooling is making its mark, causing students to ask, “How important is flexibility and effective learning to me?”

Undoubtedly, with the even wider spread of technology online education’s potential to become complementary – or in some cases alternatives – to traditional education cannot be overlooked. If you think it’s for you, go for it!

You can get help from Top Study Abroad Education Consultant In Mumbai in choosing the accurate distance education program for you .They will also help you with the admission process. All the best for your future!